Gold Squad' celebrates its 100th birthday

3/10/07
The oldest specialist investigations unit within the Western Australian police force has celebrated its 100th birthday.
Resources Minister Francis Logan joined with community and mining industry leaders at Kalgoorlie Town Hall to celebrate 100 years of the WA Gold Stealing Detection Unit, commonly referred to as 'The Gold Squad'.
"Throughout its long history, the unit has left an indelible mark on the gold industry of WA and beyond," Mr Logan said.
"An extensive record of successful investigations throughout the State, nationally and internationally, has firmly established the reputation of the unit.
"As a recognised authority on both gold theft and security of gold, it has provided advice and training to national and international enforcement agencies and gold producers."
Gold has been a key driver behind the success of WA and Kalgoorlie since it was first discovered at Coolgardie in 1892. WA now produces up to 75 per cent of Australia's gold each year and, in the past year, it was worth $4.06billion to the State.
The Minister said that in the early days of the WA Goldfields, most gold producers relied on regular police officers for protection. But by the beginning of the 20th century, gold theft was rife and threatening the development of the fledgling industry.
The situation was so bad that in 1906, officer-in-charge Det-Sgt Peter Kavanagh reported to the Legislative Assembly that 'since my transfer to Kalgoorlie . I have recognised that gold stealing has been carried out to an enormous extent. I call it a business, for such it is, pure and simple'.
"Det-Sgt Kavanagh's report caused a furore in State Parliament and a Royal Commission of Inquiry was established," Mr Logan said.
"And in February 1907, the Royal Commission supported Det. Kavanagh and recommended the appointment of extra detectives to combat and deter theft. A team of detectives was put in place and the Gold Stealing Detection Unit was born."
The Minsiter said the unit investigated offences related to the theft of gold and gold mining equipment throughout WA and other States, when necessary. It frequently patrolled remote gold mining locations and provided the only regular policing service to many isolated mine sites.
Minister's office - 9213 7150